I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 594 together.
Earlier this year, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency undertook a process to develop a Creative Community Alternative (CCA) plan in all 17 Tusla Areas, including the Galway/Roscommon area. The CCA plan establishes regional frameworks to provide outcome-focused alternatives for young people in residential or foster care, or those who may be at risk of admission to care.
Following this process, in June 2018, Tusla made a decision not to renew its Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the organisation in the Galway/Roscommon area, referred to by the Deputy.
Under the terms of the current Agreement, the organisation in question is contracted to provide a support service to 18 young people in need in the Galway/Roscommon area. The young people are assigned an advocate that will work with them over a 6 month period.
Tusla has advised that it is of the view that the organisation referred to by the Deputy does not meet the needs of high-risk young people, particularly those who require long-term intervention that is provided by professionally qualified staff.
Tusla's CCA plan for the Galway/Roscommon was informed by a detailed analysis of the demographic profile of the area, rates of referrals to Tusla social workers and family services teams, and a financial analysis. The CCA plan is also aligned with Tusla's key strategies, including its Commissioning Strategy, Prevention Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) Strategy, and Child Protection and Welfare Strategy.
Tusla has also advised me that the decision to suspend the SLA with the organisation referred to by the Deputy was communicated to its CEO and Director of Services on 28 June, 2018. A further face-to-face meeting was held in September 2018 and no change was made to the earlier decision.
It is good practice for Tusla to review its services on a continuous basis, including the work carried out by Tusla staff in the Galway/Roscommon area through its CCA plan. This may include, but does not necessarily require, input from third-party organisations that are commissioned by Tusla to provide services.
Tusla will continue to work with the organisation to which the Deputy refers until the end of 2018, which is in line with the SLA signed by both parties.
